If you’re dealing with muscle tightness, chronic pain, or movement restrictions that just won’t go away, dry needling may be the missing piece in your recovery. Many people in Andover, KS and east Wichita are turning to dry needling as a proven, effective treatment to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve overall function.

At our Andover physical therapy clinic, dry needling is performed by highly trained Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs) who specialize in identifying the root cause of pain…not just masking symptoms. Whether dry needling is used as part of a full physical therapy plan, combined with other modalities like electrical stimulation (e-stem), or as a focused standalone session, our goal is to help you move better and feel better as quickly and safely as possible.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a skilled physical therapy technique used to treat muscle pain, tightness, and dysfunction. It involves inserting a very thin, sterile needle into specific trigger points or tight muscle bands to reduce tension, improve blood flow, and restore normal muscle function.

Despite the name, dry needling does not involve medication or injections. The term “dry” simply means the needle contains no fluid.

Dry needling is commonly used to treat:

• Muscle knots (trigger points)
• Chronic pain
• Acute muscle strains
• Postural pain
• Sports injuries
• Neck and back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Hip pain
• Headaches
• Sciatica
• Overuse injuries

How Dry Needling Works

When a tight or overactive muscle is needled, it creates a small neurological response that allows the muscle to relax. This helps:

• Decrease muscle tension
• Improve circulation
• Reduce pain sensitivity
• Restore normal movement
• Improve muscle activation

Many patients also benefit from combining dry needling with electrical stimulation (e-stem). With this approach, a mild electrical current is delivered through the needles to further relax muscles, reduce pain, and enhance blood flow to the area. This can help patients achieve quicker relief, improve muscle activation, and target stubborn trigger points more effectively than dry needling alone.

Dry needling works especially well when pain is driven by muscle dysfunction rather than structural damage, which is why it’s frequently used alongside physical therapy exercises, manual therapy, and posture correction strategies.

Why People in Andover Choose Dry Needling

Residents of Andover and east Wichita often seek dry needling when:

• Pain hasn’t responded to rest or stretching
• Muscles feel constantly tight or “knotted”
• Pain keeps returning despite other treatments
• Posture-related pain persists
• Movement feels restricted or asymmetrical

Dry needling allows physical therapists to treat pain at its source (the muscle and nervous system) rather than relying solely on passive treatments.

Conditions Commonly Treated With Dry Needling

At our Andover clinic, dry needling is commonly used for:

Neck and Shoulder Pain

Including stiffness from desk work, poor posture, or stress-related muscle tension.

Low Back Pain

Especially when muscle tightness contributes to chronic or recurring discomfort.

Hip and Glute Pain

Often linked to prolonged sitting, running injuries, or weakness.

Headaches and Migraines

When trigger points in the neck and upper back contribute to symptoms.

Sports and Overuse Injuries

Such as calf tightness, hamstring strains, quad pain, and shoulder irritation.

Post-Surgical Muscle Guarding

To help restore mobility and reduce protective muscle tension.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

Initial Assessment

Before dry needling is performed, your physical therapist will evaluate:

• Your symptoms and pain history
• Movement patterns
• Muscle tightness and trigger points
• Strength and mobility deficits
• Daily habits contributing to pain

This ensures dry needling is appropriate and used safely.

During the Treatment

• Very thin needles are inserted into targeted muscles
• You may feel a brief muscle twitch or cramping sensation
• The sensation is typically short-lived
• Needles may be combined with e-stem to provide a mild electrical current for enhanced muscle relaxation
• Sessions are tailored based on your comfort and treatment goals

Most patients tolerate dry needling very well, even if they are initially nervous.

After the Session

After treatment, it’s common to experience:

• Mild soreness (similar to a workout)
• Temporary fatigue in the treated area
• Improved mobility or decreased tension

Soreness usually resolves within 24–48 hours.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes! When performed by a trained Doctor of Physical Therapy, dry needling is extremely safe. Our Andover physical therapists are fully trained in anatomy, technique, and safety protocols to ensure effective treatment with minimal risk.

We use:

• Sterile, single-use needles
• Evidence-based techniques
• Individualized treatment plans

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture: What’s the Difference?

While both use thin needles, the approach and purpose are different.

Dry Needling:

• Based on modern anatomy and neuroscience
• Targets muscle trigger points and movement dysfunction
• Performed by physical therapists
• Focused on pain relief and functional improvement

Acupuncture:

• Based on traditional Chinese medicine
• Focuses on energy pathways (meridians)
• Not movement-based

Dry needling is often preferred for musculoskeletal pain and movement-related issues, especially when combined with physical therapy for posture, strength, and mobility.

Dry Needling at Our Andover Physical Therapy Clinic

At our Andover location, dry needling is performed by a team of highly skilled Doctors of Physical Therapy:

• Dr. Demi, DPT
• Dr. Ashley, DPT
• Dr. Chonnor, DPT

Each therapist integrates dry needling into a comprehensive treatment approach designed to deliver long-lasting results, not just temporary relief. We also frequently combine dry needling with e-stem for patients who need enhanced muscle relaxation and faster recovery.

Payment Options for Dry Needling in Andover

We offer flexible options so patients can choose what works best for their needs and schedule.

Option 1: Dry Needling as Part of a Traditional Physical Therapy Appointment

Dry needling can be included during a standard physical therapy visit when it’s clinically appropriate. In this case, dry needling is part of your overall plan of care and billed as a physical therapy session.

This option is ideal if you are:

• Treating a more complex injury
• Working on strength, posture, or movement correction
• Recovering from surgery or chronic pain

Option 2: Standalone Dry Needling Session

You can also schedule dry needling as its own appointment without a full therapy session.

Standalone Dry Needling Details:

• 20-minute session
• $45 per session
• Focused exclusively on targeted muscle treatment, with the option to include e-stem

This option works well for:

• Maintenance care
• Muscle tightness flare-ups
• Athletes between training cycles
• Patients who only need localized relief

How Many Dry Needling Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions varies depending on:

• The severity of symptoms
• How long pain has been present
• Underlying movement or strength deficits
• Activity level and lifestyle factors

Some patients feel relief after one session, while others benefit from multiple treatments combined with exercise, posture correction, and e-stem dry needling.

When Should You Consider Dry Needling?

Dry needling may be right for you if:

• Muscle tightness limits your movement
• Pain hasn’t improved with rest or stretching
• You feel knots or trigger points
• Pain keeps returning
• You want a non-medication option
• You’re looking for fast, targeted relief

Why Andover Residents Choose Us for Dry Needling

• All clinicians are Doctors of Physical Therapy
• Personalized one-on-one care
• Evidence-based treatment
• Flexible scheduling options
• Option to combine dry needling with e-stem
• Convenient Andover location
• Transparent pricing for standalone sessions

Our focus is always on long-term results, not quick fixes.

Schedule Dry Needling in Andover, KS

If muscle pain or tightness is holding you back, dry needling may help you move and feel better faster. Combining dry needling with e-stem can provide even greater relief for persistent muscle tension and trigger points.

📍 338 S. Andover Rd STE 100, Andover, KS 67002
📞 Call: 316-348-2766

Visit empowerptclinics.com or call your nearest clinic today

Schedule your evaluation or standalone dry needling session today and take the next step toward lasting relief.